National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) President and CEO Steven C. Anderson released the following statement today following the introduction of pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform legislation (HB 1509/SB1550) in the Florida legislature:
“For far too long, pharmacy benefit manager middlemen have manipulated our healthcare system, profiting at the expense of Florida families, employers, taxpayers, and pharmacies. HB 1509/SB 1550 will help put a stop to this.
“Patients deserve access to affordable medications, and to the medications that are right for them. Patients also deserve the freedom to choose which pharmacy they use. This legislation will finally hold PBMs accountable and work to restore balance to this broken system.
“Countless patients will benefit from this legislation, and we’re grateful to Gov. Ron DeSantis, Florida Senator Jason Brodeur and Florida Representative Linda Chaney for standing up for Floridians and fighting to put patients first.”
NACDS represents traditional drug stores, supermarkets and mass merchants with pharmacies. Chains operate over 40,000 pharmacies, and NACDS’ member companies include regional chains, with a minimum of four stores, and national companies. Chains employ nearly 3 million individuals, including 155,000 pharmacists. They fill over 3 billion prescriptions yearly, and help patients use medicines correctly and safely, while offering innovative services that improve patient health and healthcare affordability. NACDS members also include more than 900 supplier partners and over 70 international members representing 21 countries. Please visit NACDS.org.
